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“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
(Romans
8:2)
Goliath
– Britannica
Goliath
biblical figure
Also known as: Goliath of Gath
Goliath, (c. 11th century BCE), in the Hebrew Bible
(Christian Old Testament), the Philistine giant slain by David, who thereby
achieved renown. According to 1 Samuel 17, the Philistines had come up to make
war against Saul, and this warrior came forth day by day to challenge to single
combat. Only David ventured to respond, and armed with a sling and pebbles he
overcame Goliath. The Philistines, seeing their champion killed, lost heart and
were easily put to flight. The giant’s arms were placed in the sanctuary, and
it was his famous sword that David took with him in his flight from Saul (1
Sam. 21: 1–9).
Quick Facts
Flourished: c.1100 BCE - c.1001 BCE
How Tall Was Goliath?
The Bible says Goliath was four cubits and a span or six
cubits and a span, meaning he was either very tall or extremely tall. Read
Britannica’s essay to learn more.
In another passage it is said that Goliath of Gath was
slain by a certain Elhanan of Bethlehem in one of David’s later conflicts with
the Philistines (II Samuel 21:18–22). This may be a transcriptural error as the
parallel account in I Chronicles 20:5 avoids the contradiction by reading
“Elhanan . . . slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath.”
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
This article was most recently revised and updated by
Melissa Petruzzello.